2 DISCOURSES ON THE Tim. ii. 16. Herein God set the great seal of heaven unto his work ofmediation, and the preaching of the gospel which ensued thereon. And a testimony here- unto was that which filled his enemies with rage and madness, Acts vii. 55, 56, 57. His resurrection con- firmed his doctrine with undeniable efficacy; but his assumption into heaven testified unto his person, with an astonishing glory. 2. It was necessary with respect unto the human na- ture itself, that, after all its labours and sufferings, it might be crowned with honour and glory. He was to suffer and enter into his glory, Luke xxiv. 26. Some dispute whether Christ, in his human nature, merited any thing for himself or no; but not to immix ourselves in the niceties of that inquiry, it is unquestionable that the highest glory was due to him upon his accomplish- ment of the work committed unto him in this world, which he therefore lays claim to accordingly, John xvii. 4, 5. It was so. 3. With respect unto the glorious administration of his kingdom: for, as his kingdom is not of this world, no it is not only over this world, or the whole creation here below; the angels of glory, those principalities and, powers above, are subject unto him, and belong unto his dominion, Eph. i. 21. Phil. ii. 9, 10. Among them attended with their ready service and obedience unto all his commands, doth he exercise the powers of his glorious kingdom. And they would but degrade him from his glory, without the least advantage unto themselves, who would have him forsake his high and glo- rious throne in heaven, to come and reign among them on the earth, unless they suppose themselves more meet attendants on his regal dignity' than the angels them' selves, who are mighty in strength and glory. Secondly,The presence of the human nature ofChrist in heaven, was necessary with respect unto us. The remainder ofhis work with God on our behalf, was to be carried on by intercession, Heb. vii. 26, 27. And whereas this intercession consisteth in the virtual repre- sentation of his oblation, or of himself as a Lamb slain in sacrifice, it could not be done without his continual appearance in the presence of God, Heb. ix. 24. The other part of the work of Christ respects the church or believers, as its immediate object. So in par- ticular doth his comforting and supporting of them. This is that work which, in a peculiar manner, is corn- mitted and intrusted unto the Holy Spirit, after the de- parture of the human nature of Christ into heaven. But two things are to be observed concerning it, (1.) That whereas the whole work consisteth io the communication of spiritual light, grace and joy to the souls of' believers, it was no less the immediate work of the Holy Ghost whilst the Lord Christ was upon the earth, than it is now Ile is absent in heaven; only, dur- ing the time of his conversation here below in the days of his flesh, his holy disciples looked on him as the only spring and foundation of all their consolation, their only support, guide, and protector, as they had just cause to do. They had yet no insight into the mystery of the dispensation of the Spirit, nor was he yet so given or poured out, as to evidence himself and his operation unto their souls. Wherefore they lstoked'on themselves as utterly undone, when their Lord and Master began to acquaint them with his leaving of theta. No sooner did he tell them of it, but sorrowfiled their Hearts, John xvi. 6. Wherefore he immediately let them know, that this great work of relieving them from all their sorrows and fears, of dispelling their disconsolations, and sup- porting them under their trouble, was committed to the Holy Ghost, and would by him be performéd in so eminent a manner, as that his departure from them would be unto their advantage, ver. 7. Wherefore the Holy Spirit did not then first begin really and effect- ually to be the Comforter of believers upon the depart- ure of Christ from his disciples, but he is then first promised so to be upon a double account; (1.) Of the full declaration and manifestation of it. So things are often said in the scripture then to be, when they do appear and are made manifest. An eminent instance hereof we have in this case, John vii. 38, 39. The disciples had hitherto looked for all immediately from Christ in the flesh, the dispensation of the Spirit being hid from them. But now this also was to be manifest- ed unto them. Hence the 'apostle affirms, that though we have known Christ after theflesh, yet henceforth use Ienem him no more, 2 Cor, i. 16. that is, so as to look for grace and consolation immediately from him in the flesh, as it is evident the apostles did, before they were instructed in this unknown office of the Holy Ghost. (2.) Of the full exhibition and eminent communication of him unto this end. This in every kind was reserved for the exaltation of Christ, when he received the pro-
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